NC plate

[ncsuwolf]

Not sure whether to post this in “today’s finds” or “what is it”. Found in piedmont of Nc over the weekend. It’s a belt plate, and the back is very similar to cw era plates. Had someone tell me it was post war (and it may well be), but was found within 10’ of a 3-ring minie ball, which was certainly CW. No battle sites close by, but obviously had activity to include a very large military prison within 10 miles. Anyhow, first plate I’ve ever found (cw or not). Had to sit down for a moment after pulling it out and seeing those letters. However it turns out, the adrenaline rush of the find won’t soon be forgotten. Any thoughts/guesses on dates would be appreciated, as I don’t see it in my one buckle book.

 

[oldmxrat]

Wow, that is a really killer find, congrats!

 

[AU Seeker]

I was only able to find 2 plates like that, one says it's Civil War the other says it's Spanish American War, not sure which is correct, but the Civil War one is at the National Museum of American History and it gives a size which may help with an ID if yours is the same size.

Rare Span-Am North Carolina Rectangular Belt Plate

ccrelics.com

Confederate Waist Belt Plate, "North Carolina"

Many Confederate soldiers had their home state emblems on their waist belt plate. For example, this rectangular plate has the initials for North Carolina.Currently…

americanhistory.si.edu

 

[pepperj]

There's not a lot of information out there regarding your awesome recovery, congratulations!

With a few questions regarding the example of the plate in the Smithsonian it seems that you are holding a rare piece of history. (Thanks to @AU Seeker)

how rare is the one in the smithsonian
The

"NC" rectangular belt plate in the National Museum of American History(Smithsonian) is considered extremely rare, potentially even more so than the more widely documented "NC" oval plates.
Rarity and Provenance

• Small Production Numbers: It is estimated that fewer than 300 of the official state-issued "NC" plates (in any shape) were ever produced.
• Surviving Examples: While specialized collectors estimate there may be fewer than 4 to 10 authenticated original examples of certain rare North Carolina cast variants in existence.
• Institutional Status: Authentic examples are so rare that they are almost exclusively found in major museums (like the Smithsonian or the North Carolina Museum of History) rather than in private collections.
• Value and Authentication
  • Market Value: Because of their scarcity, authenticated "NC" plates are among the most expensive Civil War relics. Excavated examples in good condition have sold for as much as $38,500.
  • The "Mullinax" Standard: This specific Smithsonian plate is a reference specimen for historians. Most authentic plates are classified using the Mullinax rarity scale, where state-specific plates often reach Rarity 9 or 10 (the highest possible levels).
  • 
    
  • Why It Is So Rare
    1. Limited Manufacturing: Unlike the Union, which had massive standardized factories, North Carolina relied on small, local foundries or railroad machine shops (like the one in Burlington, NC) to cast these plates in small batches.
    2. Short Usage Window: Many were issued only to early-war volunteer units, such as the 6th North Carolina State Troops. As the war progressed, the state switched to more basic equipment or used captured federal "U.S." plates.
    3. High Rate of Loss: Sand-cast brass plates were more brittle than stamped plates; hooks frequently broke off in the field, leading many to be discarded or lost.

 

[ncsuwolf]

I was only able to find 2 plates like that, one says it's Civil War the other says it's Spanish American War, not sure which is correct, but the Civil War one is at the National Museum of American History and it gives a size which may help with an ID if yours is the same size.

Rare Span-Am North Carolina Rectangular Belt Plate

ccrelics.com

Confederate Waist Belt Plate, "North Carolina"

Many Confederate soldiers had their home state emblems on their waist belt plate. For example, this rectangular plate has the initials for North Carolina.Currently…

americanhistory.si.edu

Thank you for that. I had heard the 1895-1905 date range, but didn’t know Smithsonian had one in stock (that they claim is cw). The 6th NC plates are the most famous from Burlington, not certain if they made others.

And Rick selling one as Spanish American war means that that’s most likely what this is. Oh well, I’m still happy.

 

[Fullstock]

That could be the find of a lifetime.

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

Outstanding !!!

 

[pepperj]

Thank you for that. I had heard the 1895-1905 date range, but didn’t know Smithsonian had one in stock (that they claim is cw). The 6th NC plates are the most famous from Burlington, not certain if they made others.

And Rick selling one as Spanish American war means that that’s most likely what this is. Oh well, I’m still happy.

Now who is correct the seller or the Smithsonian, it has me wondering now?

 

[AU Seeker]

Thank you for that. I had heard the 1895-1905 date range, but didn’t know Smithsonian had one in stock (that they claim is cw). The 6th NC plates are the most famous from Burlington, not certain if they made others.

And Rick selling one as Spanish American war means that that’s most likely what this is. Oh well, I’m still happy.

The one at Rick Burtons Civil War Relics is marked sold, you might want to contact him and get his opinion on what yours truly is and possible value.

"

Call anytime 10AM-10PM EST. I make every effort to answer the phone. If you don't get me PLEASE Leave a message - it will be answered!

Phone: (336) 830-1203​

Kernersville, NC
Phone: (336) 830-1203
931-E South Main St. Suite-110"

Kernersville, NC 27284"

 

[ncsuwolf]

The one at Rick Burtons Civil War Relics is marked sold, you might want to contact him and get his opinion on what yours truly is and possible value.

"

Call anytime 10AM-10PM EST. I make every effort to answer the phone. If you don't get me PLEASE Leave a message - it will be answered!

Phone: (336) 830-1203​

Kernersville, NC
Phone: (336) 830-1203
931-E South Main St. Suite-110"

Kernersville, NC 27284"

Good idea…….will let you know outcome

 

[Carolina Relic Hunter]

Not sure whether to post this in “today’s finds” or “what is it”. Found in piedmont of Nc over the weekend. It’s a belt plate, and the back is very similar to cw era plates. Had someone tell me it was post war (and it may well be), but was found within 10’ of a 3-ring minie ball, which was certainly CW. No battle sites close by, but obviously had activity to include a very large military prison within 10 miles. Anyhow, first plate I’ve ever found (cw or not). Had to sit down for a moment after pulling it out and seeing those letters. However it turns out, the adrenaline rush of the find won’t soon be forgotten. Any thoughts/guesses on dates would be appreciated, as I don’t see it in my one buckle book.

As a Carolinian myself I have to Banner this find since it very rare indeed.

 

[AU Seeker]

Good idea

Let us know what he says.

 

[ncsuwolf]

Let us know what he says.

From Rick…….” That is a North Carolina militia plate from the Indian war period. I’ve had two of them in 20 years. They are scarce yours is the only dug one I’ve ever seen.”

Well its not CW, but I’m still proud of it.

Thanks for everyone weighing in.

 

[Mike N Tn.]

Killer find! Congrats 🎉! It looks Civil War era to me, with those hooks.

 

[AU Seeker]

From Rick…….” That is a North Carolina militia plate from the Indian war period. I’ve had two of them in 20 years. They are scarce yours is the only dug one I’ve ever seen.”

Well its not CW, but I’m still proud of it.

Thanks for everyone weighing in.

Well that's another war we didn't even find out anything about concerning this plate, so now there's the "Indian War Period" along with the possibility of Civil War and the Spanish/American War.

Now I wonder what he means by..."Indian War Period", does that mean out west after the Civil War or way earlier..."French Indian war"??

Now I'm more confused than before about your plate!

Did he give any insight/opinion as to what the value might be?

 

[ncsuwolf]

1870 or later. Out West Indian war to Spanish American. No value given.

 

[Gare]

AMAZING FIND !!! Thank you for sharing with us

 

[Fredneck]

Wolf had reached out to me to Id this buckle via PM but thought I'd share a reference to answer everybody's questions. This reference comes from the most trusted O'Donnell , American Military Belt Plates book.

 

[ncsuwolf]

Wolf had reached out to me to Id this buckle via PM but thought I'd share a reference to answer everybody's questions. This reference comes from the most trusted O'Donnell , American Military Belt Plates book.

Thank you

 

[Dismal Swampy]

As a Carolinian myself I have to Banner this find since it very rare indeed.

Hell'a nice find there
Go pack !